Navigating Strata Rules for Apartment Renovations

Renovating an apartment can be a tricky business. Owners must follow tightly controlled rules and regulations enforced by a strata committee or owners' corporation on behalf of all residents in the block.

You can't simply alter the outside of your apartment, such as installing new windows or doors, without written permission.

Strata rules, which are also known as by-laws, can appear daunting for first-time buyers seeking an apartment.

But the rules are there to protect your interests as much as they regulate your own decisions regarding the property.

Many apartments that represent excellent value will need some TLC.

A popular apartment renovation is to install new flooring. However, you'll need permission before proceeding. Why? Because no one wants to hear their neighbours walking around.

These are the steps you'll likely have to take to install a floating floor to give your apartment a fantastic renovation.

However, always clarify the rules that apply to your building.

It's the by-law

With a hard-surface floor, your preferred materials must be permitted under strata by-laws. Except for the kitchen, bathroom and laundry, your floor covering must not create noise your neighbours can hear.

Noise factors

Three elements of flooring affect noise: quality of the underlay, depth of the concrete slab and thickness of the drop ceiling in the apartment below (if one exists).

What's too noisy?

Schedule 2 of the Strata Schemes Management Regulation (2010) says you must prevent noise that would “disturb the peaceful enjoyment” of neighbours.

A solution

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) has set 62 decibels as a standard for the impact of noise transmission from a floor. Your strata committee may or may not find this acceptable. Flooring manufacturers claim five and six-star ratings.

Local standard

Ask your strata manager or owners' corporation for its minimum flooring requirements to ensure your preferred supplier can meet the required benchmark.

Your request

When applying to install a new floor covering, present written confirmation from your supplier that its materials and installation meet the standards set by the BCA and the strata committee or owners' corporation.

Paulette Contessi

Director / Licensee

CONTESSI PROPERTIES